YinzPitt

The Pittsburgh Penguins have begun making movements in getting back the services of some of their free agents.  Matt Cooke was probably one of the bigger targets the Pens needed to resign this year, and I’m glad it happened.  Sure, “agitators” are a dime a dozen, but Cooke has an awesome ability at killing penalties and scoring timely goals.

Another signing that has the potential to be a great one also happened a few days ago.  The Pens re-upped Ben Lovejoy to a very cheap 3 year deal that could be a steal sooner rather than later.  I’m sure most Pens fans know who Lovejoy is, he was the guy continually called upon to replace GoGo during his bad stretches throughout the season/play-offs.  So now we have Lovejoy signed for three years, and he has to potential to be a bottom pairing defense men with the option to be sent down without having to clear waivers for the first year.

KDKA has some information regarding this deal with Lovejoy:

The new contract is effective through the 2012-13 season and will pay the 26-year-old $525,000 a year if he makes the Pittsburgh roster.

Lovejoy spent most of last season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, though he appeared in 12 games with Pittsburgh.

In 11 out of those 12 appearances, he finished with a plus or even rating.

At Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, he is one of the team’s top defensemen, and throughout his career, he has amassed a number of awards and honors, including being named to the PlanetUSA All-Star Team for the 2008-09 season.

I’m really happy about the deal.  He’s a very cheap option, and it looks like he’s finally going to get his try out to make the team full time.  I’d love to see him fill out into a Rob Scuderi type player.

As of now, it’s not entirely accurate regarding the cost of Matt Cooke, we do know however that it has a NTC(No Trade Clause) attached and should be around roughly 1.8 million a year.  Sure it could be a little steep in terms of a 3rd line player, but it’s worth it.  You at least know you’re getting quality with that type of player.

Finally, Gonchar.  I think with the signing of Cooke it’s possibly all but clear that he’s hitting the market, and good for him.  He should have what looks to be like one big contract left, and I personally hope a team out there wants to bring him in and give him the money he deserves.  He’s been absolutely quality and it’s well deserved.  He’s nothing but an absolute class act.

About the only thing I can hope for from Ben Lovejoy is seeing this spectacular picture used for everything:

Ben Lovejoy, very pleased.